Frequently Asked Questions
1) How do I get an Exhibitor Kit?
Your Association contact will provide you with a user name and password. Once received, fill in your username and password in our Login Area located at the top left of our website. After that, follow the easy steps to download your kit.
2) Should I read my Exhibitor Kit?
· Yes! Please Read Your Exhibitor Kit thoroughly.
· 98% of your questions are answered in the Exhibitor Kit.
3) Is the Exhibit Hall carpeted?
The first page of the Exhibitor Kit will let you know if the show site is carpeted, and also tell you color(s).
4) What is included in my booth package?
Your booth package information can easily be found on the front page of your Exhibitor Kit, about 1/3rd of the way down the page. This section tells you exactly what is in your booth.
5) If I just need to use your Freight/Drayage Service, do I need to fax over all the other forms?
No, all you need to fax is the completed Freight/Drayage Service & the Advance Payment forms to 630-351-4118.
6) Who do I talk to about electrical service?
· Your Exhibitor Kit should have the electrical form for you to fill out.
· In many cases this form needs to be faxed or mailed directly to the facility, please read your kit thoroughly and follow the instructions.
· If you're not sure please call us at 630-351-3976 or email us at info@mcsexpo.com. Please be sure to include the Name of the Show that you are inquiring about Electrical service for.
7) What are the Show colors?
Show colors can be found directly below booth package information on the front page of your Exhibitor Kit, about 1/3rd of the way down the page.
Have more questions about Exhibitor Services?
Please call 630-351-3976, or email us at info@mcsexpo.com
1) What is resolution?
The resolution of your computer display measures the amount of detail that can be seen in an image, expressed as the number of distinct horizontal and vertical lines.
2) What are VGA , SVGA, XGA, SXGA and UXGA?
VGA in an acronym for Video Graphics Array. VGA, SVGA and XGA all measure the resolution of the video signal being output by a personal computer.
· VGA consists of 640 vertical lines x 480 horizontal lines,
· SVGA 800 lines x 600 lines,
· XGA 1024 x 768 lines,
· SXGA 1280 x 1024 lines, and
· UXGA 1600 x 1200 lines.
3) I cannot get my laptop display to show up on the LCD projector, what can I do?
If the display from your laptop does not come up on the LCD projector there are a few things to check:
· Check to be sure the projector is turned on & you have the correct input selected on the projector. (usually computer 1 or data1)
· Check that the VGA cable is securely connected to the projector (computer input) and laptop.
· Does your screen resolution match the capabilities of the LCD projector? If not, you will need to reduce your screen resolution to the capabilities of the projector. 800x600 for SVGA, 1024x768 for XGA.
· Laptops have an external monitor selection function. Locate the Fn button on your laptop. Depress this button along with one of your Function buttons (F1 - F12) - choose the one that has a picture that looks like a computer or screen. Depressing these buttons simultaneously should allow you to "toggle" between your laptop display and the LCD projector display.
If these solutions do not solve your problem please call our office @ 630-351-3976.
4) What is an ANSI lumen?
An ANSI lumen is a measure of brightness put out by a projection device, as standardized by the American National Standards Institute. Note these are not comparable to "lumens" expressed in non-ANSI terms (and used to measure, for example, the output of overhead projectors).
5) How many ANSI lumens do I need?
This depends on your room lighting conditions and screen size. As a rough guide, we recommend no less than 1000 ANSI lumens for screens up to 8' wide, no less than 2000 ANSI lumens for 10' Wide Screens, and no less than 3500 ANSI lumens for 12' Wide Screens. Your best bet, of course, is to ask your sales rep to recommend projector for your particular application.
6) What is keystone correction?
Keystone correction corrects Keystoning. Keystoning is the rectangular distortion you get when your image appears wider at the top or bottom due the projector being positioned somewhere other than the center of the screen. Most LCD projectors today have a fixed keystone factor (allowing the projector to be placed at about an 8-degree angle lower or higher than the center of the screen), but many allow you to adjust keystoning. Thus you can place the projector on your conference table, on carts of various heights, or mount it on a ceiling of various heights without having to worry about ending up with a distorted image.
7) Why is it so expensive?
Presentation software like PowerPoint has enabled presenters to design more attractive presentations with less time and effort. Also, presenters have become more comfortable using this technology and audiences are coming to expect this format of presentation. Despite the superiority of computer presentations to older technologies, the infrastructure costs are significantly higher. Rental costs for LCD projectors are significantly higher than for overhead and slide projectors, and LCD projectors require more technical support, resulting in higher labor costs as well.
Have more questions about Audio Visual Equipment or Services?
Please call 630-351-3976, or email us at info@mcsexpo.com
1) What is raster, vector art?
These terms are used to classify the type of data a graphics file contains. Raster files (also called bitmapped files) contain graphics information described as pixels, such as photographic images. Vector files contain data described as mathematical equations and are typically used to store line art and CAD information. Vector files have the additional capability of being scaleable meaning that ordinarily, no image editing is necessary.
2) What OS platform does MCS use to produce graphics for signs?
We use the Windows operating system to create and modify files for graphic and sign production. We are capable of importing some Macintosh file formats. Please contact us for details.
3) What graphic formats does MCS support?
4) What is meant by the term "resolution" and what should the resolution value of the supplied art work be?
Resolution refers to the number of dots per inch (dpi) of an image that is output to a media. This applies to raster images only. When supplying a file to be included as a graphic on a sign, the general rule is for the graphic to be at least 150 dpi (at the size that it will be produced). So, for example, if one needs for a graphic to be reproduced at 20" tall and has a 10" tall raster graphic file to supply, the supplied graphic file should be at least 300 dpi because the resolution is halved when you double the size of an image (without digital manipulation).
5) How long before an event date must booth sign information be supplied?
Generally, booth sign lists must be received as early as possible to guarantee that all signs will be completed on time. However, these lists must be received at least two weeks prior to the show date in order to avoid extra charges.
6) Can MCS produce vinyl graphics?
Yes, we have the ability to produce vinyl (cutout) graphics as well as digital (printed) graphics.
Have more questions about Graphics & Signage?
Please call 630-351-3976, or email us at signs@mcsexpo.com
1) What is the "Freight & Drayage Service" form?
As the official service contractor, Midwest Conference Service is the exclusive provider of freight/drayage service for your event. This service includes unloading your exhibit material, storing up to 30 days in advance at the warehouse, delivery to the booth, and handling of empty containers to and from storage. Use this form to order this service according to the weight of your shipment. ***This service should not be confused with the cost to transport your exhibit material to and from the event. Be sure to include the "Advance Payment Form" with your order, or freight delivery to your booth may be delayed.
2) How do I ship to the Warehouse?
· Please refer to your Exhibitor Kit "Freight/Drayage Service" form for proper address & shipping instructions.
· We will accept freight beginning 30 days prior to show move-in date.
· To ensure timely arrival of your materials at show site, freight should arrive by the deadline date listed on the front page of your Exhibitor Kit. Your freight will be accepted after the deadline date, but additional charges will apply.
· The warehouse will receive shipments Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding Public Holidays.
· The warehouse will accept crates, cartons, skids, trunks/cases and carpets.
· All shipments must have a bill of lading or delivery slip showing the number of pieces, type of merchandise and weight.
3) Should ship my Freight Prepaid or Collect?
· PREPAID. We do not accept collect shipments. Collect shipments will be refused.
· To ensure that your freight does not arrive collect, mark your bill of lading "prepaid"
4) How should I label my Freight?
· Please refer to your Exhibitor Kit "Freight/Drayage Service" form for proper address & labeling instructions.
· The label should - at a minimum - contain the exhibiting company name, the booth number and the name of the event.
· The specific shipping address for either the warehouse or show site.
· It is a good idea to label every carton that is skidded with at least your name & booth number, in case skids are broken down during transport.
5) How do I ship my Freight from the show?
· Please visit the MCS Show Service Desk for an Outbound Bill of Lading, Material Handling Form, and complimentary shipping labels.
· After materials are packed, labeled, and ready to be shipped, the completed Material Handling Form & Bill of Lading must be turned in at the MCS Show Service Desk.
· For your convenience, show-recommended carriers will be on site to handle outbound transportation.
· You must notify your carrier of the date & time of pick-up.
6) Do I need to insure my freight?
· Yes! Be sure that your freight is insured for all times that it is away from your primary place of business. Talk to your insurance company for "riders" to existing policies.
Have more questions about Freight Service?
Email us at info@mcsexpo.com or call 630-351-EXPO (3976).
· Read your "Freight/Drayage Service" & "Limits of Liability" forms in your Exhibitor Kit.
